Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is a debilitating condition that is commonly accompanied one or more serious mental health conditions.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa – better known as "bulimia" – is an eating disorder characterized by patterns of bingeing (consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time) and purging (eliminating calories consumed).
Symptoms & Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia (bingeing and purging) is an isolating, secretive illness that prevents many people from enjoying a full and rewarding life. We share the more common symptoms and warning signs for bulimia.
Symptoms
Bingeing more than one time per week
Purging more than one time per week
Bradycardia and orthostasis
A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down
Swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
Warning Signs
Bingeing
Consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time
Fear of gaining weight
Evidence of binges
Disappearance of large amounts of food or appearance of wrappers/packaging
What Causes Bulimia?
There is no one cause of bulimia. A number of different biological, psychological and sociocultural factors contribute to the development of this condition.
Bulimia has profound negative effects on the body’s systems
There are many serious health risks associated with bulimia. Bingeing and purging, particularly recurrent and/or chronic episodes, have profound negative effects on the body’s systems.
- Cardiac complications (irregular heartbeat and heart failure stemming from electrolyte imbalances)
- Dehydration
- Edema (stemming from periods of purging cessation)
- Loss of potassium, sodium and chloride from the body
- Ulcers, pancreatitis
How is Bulimia Nervosa Treated?
Treatment for bulimia at Eating Recovery Center involves a thoughtful fusion of medical, psychiatric, therapeutic and dietary interventions.
You can recover from bulimia
While bulimia is a very serious illness, the good news is that bulimia can be treated. Without treatment, those suffering with bulimia will experience serious health risks that can have long-lasting effects.
If you are interested in learning more about treatment for eating disorders, including bulimia, we can help. Our eating disorder treatment centers across the nation provide specialized bulimia treatment for diverse patients of all ages and at all levels of care.
We encourage you to call us at 877-825-8584 so we can help you or your loved one begin the healing process.
